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Lincoln public transit gets grant for new electric buses

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln's public transit system has received a $1.45 million federal grant to purchase two electric buses expected to be in service in early 2019.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the new buses will replace a couple of StarTran's heavy-duty diesel buses.

StarTran's project was one of 51 in 39 states selected for $55 million in grants from the Federal Transit Administration's low- or no-emission vehicle program.

The grant also funds electric-charging stations for the buses and will be matched by $500,000 in local funds.

The electric buses cost about $300,000 more than a compressed-natural gas bus. They'll be able to travel 200 miles before recharging.

Since most city buses run about 300 miles a day, the two buses will be used during peak hours and charged in between.

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